Electrode array structures and methods of use for cardiovascular reflex control
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- implanting a baroreflex activation device chronically within a patient, the device including a plurality of independently activatable electrodes and being implanted in or on a blood vessel such that the independently activatable electrodes are proximate one or more baroreceptors in a wall of the blood vessel;
delivering a sub-stimulation signal to a first pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the sub-stimulation signal having a voltage, current and/or frequency selected so as not to create a medically meaningful baroreflex response in the patient;
measuring one or more attributes of the sub-stimulation signal delivered to the first pattern of electrodes;
delivering a second sub-stimulation signal to a second pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the second pattern differing from the first pattern;
measuring one or more attributes of the second sub-stimulation signal delivered to the second pattern of electrodes;
comparing the attributes measured from the sub-stimulation signals to attributes of signals known to cause favorable baroreceptor activation; and
selecting at least one pattern of one or more electrodes for delivering a baroreflex therapy based on the measured attributes of the sub-stimulation signals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tissue stimulation device includes an electrode array having at least four independently switchable electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrode array comprises a flexible base to which the electrodes are fixed that flexes to encompass at least a portion of an artery or other elongate biological structure. The electrodes are electrically coupled to and energized by a signal generator coupled to a control system. In one embodiment, the array of electrodes are configured such that a suitable signal pattern for stimulation pulses between or among a set of the switchable electrodes may be determined without having to reposition the electrode assembly by using a series of signal patterns activating different combinations of switchable electrodes in response to sub-stimulation test signals to determine a signal pattern that provides suitable patient response. In another embodiment, the array of electrodes includes an array of selectively activatable multi-polar electrodes.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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implanting a baroreflex activation device chronically within a patient, the device including a plurality of independently activatable electrodes and being implanted in or on a blood vessel such that the independently activatable electrodes are proximate one or more baroreceptors in a wall of the blood vessel; delivering a sub-stimulation signal to a first pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the sub-stimulation signal having a voltage, current and/or frequency selected so as not to create a medically meaningful baroreflex response in the patient; measuring one or more attributes of the sub-stimulation signal delivered to the first pattern of electrodes; delivering a second sub-stimulation signal to a second pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the second pattern differing from the first pattern; measuring one or more attributes of the second sub-stimulation signal delivered to the second pattern of electrodes; comparing the attributes measured from the sub-stimulation signals to attributes of signals known to cause favorable baroreceptor activation; and selecting at least one pattern of one or more electrodes for delivering a baroreflex therapy based on the measured attributes of the sub-stimulation signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of providing a system for baroreflex activation therapy, comprising:
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manufacturing a baroreflex activation device and making it available to a user, the device having a plurality of independently activatable electrodes; and providing instructions to the user for implanting the system, comprising; implanting the baroreflex activation device chronically in or on a blood vessel such that the independently activatable electrodes are proximate one or more baroreceptors in a wall of the blood vessel; delivering a sub-stimulation signal to a first pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the sub-stimulation signal having a voltage, current and/or frequency selected so as not to create a medically meaningful baroreflex response in a patient; measuring one or more attributes of the sub-stimulation signal delivered to the first pattern of electrodes; delivering a second sub-stimulation signal to a second pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the second pattern differing from the first pattern; measuring one or more attributes of the second sub-stimulation signal delivered to the second pattern of electrodes; comparing the attributes measured from the sub-stimulation signals to attributes of signals known to cause favorable baroreceptor activation; and selecting at least one pattern of one or more electrodes for delivering a baroreflex therapy based on the measured attributes of the sub-stimulation signals. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification